InterContinental Hotels Group and Bukhamseen Holding Group have signed an exclusive agreement to develop InterContinental Kuwait Downtown. Set to open in early 2010, the property will cater for the high-end intra-regional and international business travel sector and completes a multi-tier product portfolio in Kuwait in partnership with Bukhamseen Group.

“The new InterContinental Kuwait will be the fifth Kuwait property to be backed by the Bukhamseen Group. We are extremely proud of this partnership and hope to collaborate on more developments in the future,” commented John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer IHG Middle East & Africa. “IHG currently manages one Crowne Plaza and one Holiday Inn hotel under Bukhamseen and we have also recently made a joint announcement about the launch of two Staybridge Suites properties to cater for the extended stay market.”

“Kuwait is one of the region’s most important business markets and there is significant need for more lavish and elegant hotel rooms coupled with modern business facilities; having the InterContinental brand present will cater to this demand. IHG’s growth in Kuwait is testament to the confidence IHG has in the country and its thriving corporate travel industry,” concluded Bamsey.

InterContinental Kuwait Downtown will be located in proximity to the government and business district in central Kuwait city, with several shopping and entertainment options nearby as well. The luxurious property will feature a total of 200 beautifully decorated and furnished rooms which includes 120 king rooms, 60 twin rooms and 20 magnificent suites. Targeted at the high-end and savvy business traveller looking for enriching experiences, InterContinental Kuwait Downtown will be perfect for those visiting this small, yet booming Middle Eastern emirate.

Emad Bukhamseen, Chairman of Bukhamseen Group, said: “The signing of InterContinental Kuwait Downtown is representative of the deep and valued relationship we have developed with IHG. The Kuwaiti government launched a 20 year tourism plan in 2005 to allow for the development of the travel and tourism sector, with a key focus on business tourism growth, so as to diversify Kuwait’s national income. Through these government initiatives we are keen to expand our operations in Kuwait’s hospitality industry, and with a partner like IHG, we are sure to reach our development targets.”

Inline with the increasingly rich and affluent tastes of business visitors to Kuwait, InterContinental Kuwait Downtown will offer three diverse food and beverage outlets including an all day dining restaurant and two speciality restaurants, all with the capacity to welcome at least 150 diners.

State-of-the-art meeting facilities and a banquet hall with over 600 sqm of space add to the world-class amenities on offer, which demonstrate IHG’s commitment to the strong future of Kuwait as a key destination on the global business traveller map. In addition, a fully-equipped business centre and gymnasium will be available to all guests.

Currently there are 36 InterContinental Hotels and 10,900 rooms across the Middle East and Africa with a further 11 properties and 3,488 rooms in the development pipeline.